Paro Festival Tour of Bhutan

The Tsechu is a religious festival in honor of Guru Rinpoche or Guru Padmasambhava “One who was born from lotus”. This Indian saint contributed enormously to the diffusion of Tantric Buddhism in the Himalayan regions of Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan around 8th century. During the Tsechu, mask dances are performed by monks as well as by laymen. In-between the mask dances there will be folk dances by the Woochu people and the dancers from the Paro valley. The Tsechu is a religious festival and by attending it, it is believed one gains\ merits, good luck and wishes are fulfilled. It is also a yearly social gathering where the people join together to rejoice dressed in all their finery.

The Paro Tsechu is one the biggest and famous Tsechu in Bhutan. Paro Tsechu is the Tsechu where many tourists are attracted and is the one of the very peak season for the tourist visiting Bhutan. The Paro Tsechu is held in the courtyard for the 1st day and rest of the days will be outside, where many people can see the Tsechu. The reason for being performed in the courtyard for the 1st day there are some religious items which can not be taken outside from the Dzong. The big Thanka or Thongdrel (Liberation at Sight) is unfurling on the last day of the Tsechu, very early in the morning. Every Bhutanese people wanted to get the blessings from it, as it is very important for their present life as well as after our death. It is a very good opportunity to see the Bhutanese men and women dressed so gorgeously and expensive costumes.

Details itinerary:DAY 01: Arrival in Paro: On arrival at Paro airport, welcomed by our Bhutan representative and after immigration formalities, you will escort to the hotel. A pre-trip discussion held in Hotel where you can meet your group leader/guide then you can ask any questions you may have. After lunch, the day will start with a guided tour of Paro historical and spiritual key attractions; visit the National Museum which has a very interesting assortment of costumes, treasures and world-renowned stamps, and will bring alive the history of Bhutan since the 6th century. Visit Paro Dzong, headquarter of Paro (2250m) District.

DAY 02: Drive to Thimphu: After breakfast you will drive to Thimphu, through winding roads following the Paro River down stream to its confluence with the Thimphu River. There are good views of the forests, Rocky Mountains & scattered village on our route. As we enter the Thimphu (2350m) valley we will pass through Semtokha Dzong built in 1629 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel (The man who unified Bhutan). Now Semtokha houses the language and cultural school where scholars of all the ages study Dzongkha.

DAY 03: Thimphu drive to Punakha: The day begins with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten built in honor of our late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck and the Drupthop Lhakhang one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan. We then drive to the view point of Tashichho Dzong, seat of the national government and the central monastic body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan). After lunch we will drive to Wangdue Phodrang over Dochula pass (3150m). On clear days we will have a great and impressive view of the eastern Himalayan mountain ranges.

DAY 04: Excursion to Wangdue and Phodrang and drive to Thimphu: After our breakfast, we will visit Wangdue Phodrang dzong which was built by Lama Zhabdruing in 1638. Then we will hike to Chhimi Lhakhang, which is located at a hilltop. We have to walk about 25 minute from the road point. The temple is also known as the temple of fertility. After lunch visit Punakha Dzong, it was the winter capital of Bhutan until 1955 when the capital was permanently shifted to Thimphu. It still served as the winter resident for the monk body and drive to Thimphu.

DAY 05: Thimphu drive to Paro: After the breakfast, we will drive to Paro. On reaching Paro we will hike to the viewpoint of Taktshang, (Tiger’s Nest) monastery. We have to walk about 1hours & 30minutes up steep from the road end. The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. After enjoying the view & photographs and lunch we will walk back. On our way back we will visit the one of the oldest temple in Bhutan, Kyichu Lhakhang and then stroll around the Paro town.

DAY 06/07: Observe the Paro festival: Enjoy the Paro festival ground to witness the Thongdrel (Liberation at sight) ceremony. This is the high light of Paro festival and, and stroll around the Paro town.

DAY 08: Departure day: This day we will drive to Paro international airport to catch the flight to your next destination.